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Campbell Lab
2014
2018
Photos: Jon Hughes, Ayala Berger
Polly Campbell
PI
CV googlescholar
polly.campbell@ucr.edu
I am fascinated by conflict as a driver of evolution, especially on sex chromosomes. The structure and evolution of Y chromosomes, the under-appreciated diversity of mammalian sex chromosome systems, and the diversity of sex are my current primary obsessions. Speciation genetics and mother-offspring negotiations in the prenatal environment are also high on the list. When I’m not wondering how I got so lucky and when They’re going to find out I don’t belong, I enjoy cacti, cats (selectively), dogs (indiscriminately), keeping conflict evolutionary, mountains, sunshine, trail running.
Swopnil Adhikari
MS student
swopnil.adhikari@email.ucr.edu
I am interested in the evolution of mammalian sex chromosomes, especially how gene amplification shapes the function of Y-linked genes and the roles these genes play in reproduction and the evolution of reproductive barriers. For my MS research I am using genomic data from seven closely related species of voles (genus Microtus) to characterize the evolution of multicopy gene families on Y chromosomes. In my free time I love hiking, playing video games, and trying to avoid burning down my kitchen while learning to cook new dishes.
Louise Heitzmann
Postdoc
louise.heitzmann@ucr.edu
Interested in the evolution of sexual dimorphism and sexual conflicts, I am particularly fascinated by the evolution of sex chromosomes and how they participate to shape phenotypes (whether they are adaptive or not). I believe that multidisciplinary approaches are essential to fully understand the evolution of a system and establish the genotype-phenotype relationship, which is why my interests include various approaches: transcriptomics, behaviours, neurobiology, physiology, endocrinology etc. Aside from work, I love climbing, hiking, dancing and playing board-games.
Jonathan Hughes
Postdoc
jonathhu@ucr.edu
Broadly, I study the processes of diversification in mammals through a combination of cytogenetics, systematics, and genomics. I'm especially interested in the causes and consequences of chromosomal rearrangements, and most of my work to date has involved rodents with peculiar karyotypes. In my postdoc, I'm studying the evolution of Microtus voles and their multifarious chromosomes, with an emphasis on the extraordinary XX/XO system of the creeping vole. Outside of work, I'm partial to hiking, board games, and cooking.
Emma Knoles
PhD student
eknol001@ucr.edu
I am interested in investigating evidence for sex ratio (SR) drive in the creeping vole (Microtus oregoni), a species in which non-disjunction in the male germline results in sex-specific transmission of both sex chromosomes. I hope to advance understanding of the recently proposed role of sex chromosome aneuploidy as a mechanism of drive suppression, and the evolution of SR drivers in nature. I am from Kansas and enjoy spending my time outdoors with my dogs.
Harrison Lin
PhD candidate
hlin023@ucr.edu
I am interested in the process of speciation as well as complex social behaviors and interactions between animals. Currently, I am studying the speciation process between two California vole (Microtus californicus) lineages. I am particularly interested in the apparent lack of hybridization between the two lineages, despite a contact zone with no apparent physical barriers. When I am not studying these voles, I like to explore the outdoors, work out, binge Kdramas and anime, and watch old movies. I have also recently gotten into makeup and cosplay.
Miles Johnstone
Undergraduate researcher
miles.johnstone@email.ucr.edu
What especially fascinates me is the process of speciation; more specifically, how the differentiation of behaviors contributes to this process. I am hoping to further explore this phenomenon through the lens of the California vole (Microtus californicus), using behavioral differences between two non-interbreeding lineages to hopefully uncover some of the mechanisms of speciation that operate on a global scale. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting with friends, listening to an eclectic mix of music, and eating spicy food.
Kaitlyn Venator
Undergraduate researcher
kaitlyn.venator@email.ucr.edu
I am fascinated by genetics and inherited traits. The evolution of the creeping vole (Microtus oregoni) and the investigation of sex ratio drive and copy number variations is the most interesting topic I've ever studied. I hope to further this field with my work in the lab. In my free time I am very involved in the world of air racing, love going to the gym or reading a good book, and am always binge watching at least three shows.
2018
2019
2022
2017
2024
2025
2023
2023
Lab Alumni
Postdoc
Lena Arévalo
Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (INIA-CSIC)
Bonginkosi Gumbi
Graduate
Ayala Berger
Boston University
Sarah Gardner
Union College
Kelsey Brass
Tyler Ryan
Undergraduate
Noah Allen
Natalie Bishara
Reem Chamas
Jimmy Choi
Nicole Clapp
Cameron Gilbreath
Sam Grider
Nate Herndon
Brian Horn
Morgan Johnston
Laura Kollmorgen
Andrew Lim
Heather Martin
Abbey McClellan
Katie McDonald
Kayleen Negron
Marlie Nightingale
Angel Ramnani
Attika Secondi
Eleanor Shore
Ariel Steele
Emily West
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